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The idea of wearing coins as jewellery is almost as old as coinage itself. Ancient coins were mounted and worn in the classical world, and the practice continued through Roman and Byzantine culture, before returning in later centuries in new forms, from Renaissance medals to nineteenth-century archaeological revival jewels. Yet the Monete Collection by Bulgari never feels like a historical quotation. What Bulgari grasped was that this long tradition could be reimagined not as an exercise in nostalgia, but as something vivid, sensual, and entirely of its own time.
The origins of the collection lay with Nicola Bulgari, whose passion for coins found a natural expression within the house’s creative language. That fascination had deep personal roots. As he later recalled, his interest in ancient coins had been awakened early on, and in the mid-1960s it was Bulgari that resumed the long-standing tradition of setting ancient coins into jewellery, giving new life to a form with origins that stretch back to the classical world.
Heads of Alexander the Great, Roma, Athena, Arethusa and the Caesars were chosen as much for their sculptural presence as for what they represented. In Bulgari’s hands, the coin ceased to be an archaeological object and became the centre of the jewel itself.
This is what gave Monete its unique glamour. Rooted in Rome, nourished by the city’s intimacy with the ancient world, the collection captured the spirit of the 1960s while remaining unlike anything else in high jewellery. Its appeal quickly extended from collectors and connoisseurs to women such as Elizabeth Taylor, for whom Bulgari itself became part of the mythology of Roman glamour.
The Coin itself
During the reign of Alexander the Great, the silver tetradrachm formed the backbone of an expanding imperial economy. Weighing around 17 grams, it was a high-value coin used to pay soldiers and facilitate trade across territories that stretched from the Mediterranean to the NearEast, its consistent standard allowing it to circulate widely.
Heracles, shown wearing the lion skin on the obverse, evokes strength and heroic virtue, while Zeus seated on the reverse, holding eagle and sceptre, represents authority and order. The inscription ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ(“of Alexander”) served not only as identification, but as a guarantee of value and trust.
Examples struck at Tarsos between 327 and 323 BC belong tothe final years of Alexander’s lifetime. Distinguished by the plough in the field, a characteristic mark of the Tarsos mint, this type reflects the scale and organisation of coin production during Alexander’s eastern campaigns.Struck by hand using engraved dies, each tetradrachm is unique, with subtle variations that set it apart from every other example. Many travelled vast distances in antiquity before being lost or buried, remaining hidden for over two millennia before their rediscovery.
Adam’s is honoured to present works from the collection of Lord Rossmore in the upcoming Country House Collections auction at Howth Castle on 28th April. It is seldom that an influential Irish family collection that has survived through the generations comes to the open market.
Works Sold at Adam’s Now in the Irish National Collection
A great opportunity to purchase both established and lesser-known artist’s work at an accessible price point, the Online Picture Auction is the first of many sales to be hosted at Adam’s in 2026. It is perfect for those looking to start a collection and the discerning collector alike.
Through this article, let our expert Adam Pearson guiding you to the (re)discovery of the once established Irish painter Richard O’Neill.
Buying at Auction and the Role of Antiques in a Modern Home
Important Irish Art Auction Highlights
Oliver Dowling Collection by Aidan Dunne
2024 is a year in which Adam’s wants to recognise the key role buying antique furniture and furnishings at auction contributes greatly to the sustainable initiative. In 2019 the Environmental Protection Agency reported stark figures that each year in Ireland 1.2 million reusable bulky items, primarily furniture goes into landfill. Similar to the problem of ‘fast fashion’, the constant production and consumption of new items is leading to rapidly growing waste problem. We want to acknowledge those who are already buying second hand or antique furniture at auction and to encourage new buyers by highlighting the benefits of acquiring affordable, well-made quality items that are built to last.
Irish author, recipe creator and lifestyle influencer, Indy Parsons, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
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Cork-born Irish actress, Sarah Greene, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
Yvonne Aupicq had met Orpen, we understand, while working as a nurse during the war. He had been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of scabies which ended up being a far more serious case of blood poisoning as he recounts in his wartime memoir ‘An Onlooker in France’. Their relationship continued after 1918 when Orpen was appointed as the official artist to The Paris Peace Conference. They relocated to capital and over the following decade he painted her numerous times, often nude as in Amiens 1914, or The Rape and Nude Girl Reading (1921). Working with her as his model during these early years after the war allowed Orpen an opportunity to re-fuel his creativity.
Editor-in-Chief of IMAGE Publications, Lizzie Gore-Grimes, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
Our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction on September 13th features a prime example of Van Cleef & Arpel's renowned 'Mystery Setting'
Our June auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the great masterpieces of Irish art and icons of Dublin’s history.
Georgia Chiesa selects some of her favourite lots in the upcoming Vintage Wine & Spirits Auction
"Beating the bounds is a tradition that can be traced back to the medieval period. At this time, land was divided into parishes and the clergy and church wardens held the responsibility for its upkeep and management. It was up to the Church to ensure that its parishioners knew the local boundary lines and, before maps became commonplace, this had to be kept as a mental record."
Adam’s in conjunction with Suzanne MacDougald are proud to host an online timed auction of artworks to aid the Irish Red Cross’s humanitarian work in delivering vital services to millions of people impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. With no buyers premium 100% of the hammer price will go directly to the Irish Red Cross.
Ros Drinkwater writes of Jack B Yeats' 'The Boat' in the Business Post:
With a consolidated result of €320,000,the At Home sale in Stephan’s Green, was a great success.
James Adam & Sons Ltd, Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers, 26 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2,
D02 X665, Ireland
